RRC ID 45862
著者 Starich TA, Hall DH, Greenstein D.
タイトル Two classes of gap junction channels mediate soma-germline interactions essential for germline proliferation and gametogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans.
ジャーナル Genetics
Abstract In all animals examined, somatic cells of the gonad control multiple biological processes essential for germline development. Gap junction channels, composed of connexins in vertebrates and innexins in invertebrates, permit direct intercellular communication between cells and frequently form between somatic gonadal cells and germ cells. Gap junctions comprise hexameric hemichannels in apposing cells that dock to form channels for the exchange of small molecules. Here we report essential roles for two classes of gap junction channels, composed of five innexin proteins, in supporting the proliferation of germline stem cells and gametogenesis in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Transmission electron microscopy of freeze-fracture replicas and fluorescence microscopy show that gap junctions between somatic cells and germ cells are more extensive than previously appreciated and are found throughout the gonad. One class of gap junctions, composed of INX-8 and INX-9 in the soma and INX-14 and INX-21 in the germ line, is required for the proliferation and differentiation of germline stem cells. Genetic epistasis experiments establish a role for these gap junction channels in germline proliferation independent of the glp-1/Notch pathway. A second class of gap junctions, composed of somatic INX-8 and INX-9 and germline INX-14 and INX-22, is required for the negative regulation of oocyte meiotic maturation. Rescue of gap junction channel formation in the stem cell niche rescues germline proliferation and uncovers a later channel requirement for embryonic viability. This analysis reveals gap junctions as a central organizing feature of many soma-germline interactions in C. elegans.
巻・号 198(3)
ページ 1127-53
公開日 2014-11-1
DOI 10.1534/genetics.114.168815
PII genetics.114.168815
PMID 25195067
PMC PMC4224157
MeSH Animals Caenorhabditis elegans / cytology* Caenorhabditis elegans / embryology Caenorhabditis elegans / metabolism* Caenorhabditis elegans / ultrastructure Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / genetics Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins / metabolism* Cell Polarity Cell Proliferation DNA Mutational Analysis Embryo, Nonmammalian / metabolism Endocytosis Epistasis, Genetic Female Freeze Fracturing Gametogenesis* Gap Junctions / metabolism* Gene Duplication Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental Germ Cells / cytology* Germ Cells / metabolism* Germ Cells / ultrastructure Gonads / cytology Gonads / ultrastructure Hermaphroditic Organisms / cytology Hermaphroditic Organisms / metabolism Male Mutation / genetics Oocytes / cytology Oocytes / metabolism Ovulation Protein Transport
IF 4.015
引用数 29
WOS 分野 GENETICS & HEREDITY
リソース情報
線虫 tm2865 tm1661 tm3403 tm4316 tm2864 tm2684 tm4316